Object of the Day: A Paperweight by Correia Art Glass

This morning, we’re taking a rare trip into the modern, showing that the pride and artistry of the Belle Époque has been able to survive in contemporary art forms. As I’ve mentioned before, for the past twenty-three years, I’ve collected paperweights. The collection contains items of both traditional and modern examples.

This gem by California-based Correia Studios is signed by the artist and was created in the late 1980’s. A solid crystal sphere of two-tone gold striped has been sliced to reveal three windows into a mystical scene. The glass blower has delicately created a billowing cup of glittering amethyst, scarlet, cobalt and emerald above which a delicate silver bubble hovers. The intricacy of this design is astonishing and the skill of the artist is evident in this complicated technique.

Correia Art Glass produces some of the finest contemporary works of its kind. Known for their bold designs, remarkable skill and rich colors, this studio continues to show us that the spirit of the Belle Époque is alive and thriving.